Insider's Guide to the Lehigh Valley: Explore Lost River and Crystal caves

It’s like entering another world, built over tens of thousands of years.

Caves offer an experience unlike any other, a chance to learn about the earth’s history and see the effect of the passage of time.

Pennsylvania is home to eight public or “show” caves — thanks to its thick layers of limestone from which the caves were carved by rain and the passage of time. The Lehigh Valley region is fortunate to have two of those caves within an hour’s drive of any part of our area: Lost River Caverns in Hellertown and Crystal Cave Park near Kutztown.

If you haven’t been to either, it may be time for you to go underground.

Facts: This Hellertown cave, a family-run business, has been open for visitors since 1930. Bob Gilman, who is the third generation of his family to run the attraction, says the year-round cave has 20,000 to 25,000 visitors each year, including from New Jersey, New York and elsewhere. (Typically out-of-towners are traveling through and looking for a way to take a break from traveling.)

Did you know? From 1949 to 2009, the cave’s Crystal Chapel was a popular wedding site; about a hundred weddings were held there. This cave has quite a colorful history. During Prohibition, the cave was a hiding place for rum stored by bootleggers. Local fraternities used the cave as a place for initiation ceremonies. And in the late 1800s the cave (naturally air conditioned with a constant 52-degree temperature) was the site of a dance hall.

What you’ll see: The most unique feature of this amazing cave is the underground stream, known as the Lost River. It’s entirely underground in the cave and contains pristine water with no plant or animal life. During much of the 45-minute tour, you’ll hear the stream as you look at the various formations.

You’ll find yourself ducking under and around formations, like you’re one of the cave’s first explorers. Take the kids and see if you can spot the “cave bacon” and “Oscar the giant sea turtle,” along with formations that resemble other animals and objects such as a pair of parakeets and a nest. (It’s also fun for kids to use their imaginations and come up with their interpretations of what the shapes look like.)

Other stuff to do: Stop in the interesting gift shop. Kids will like the cool, very affordable souvenirs. It sells a full line of products for jewelry-making including gem stones. It’s fun to see the displays of rare fossils, unique minerals and collections of antique weapons dating back to the 17th century.

You also can hike on a scenic 1,800-foot trail that crosses about 2 acres of woods. The trail forms a bisected loop that can be rugged and steep, and takes 15 to 20 minutes to hike. You’ll find a dozen information stations on terrain features and the cave on the route.

How much: $13.25; $8.25, children ages 3-12. You pay at the end of the tour.

Facts: Two men discovered the cave outside Kutztown in 1871 when they were blasting for limestone on a farm. In 1872, Crystal Cave became the first show cave to open as a tourist attraction in the state. Admission then was 25 cents. Early visitors arrived by foot, horseback or stagecoach and eventually by train.

Did you know? The cave got its name from the shiny calcium crystals that hang throughout the cave.

What you’ll see: Before you head into the cave, you and other tour-goers watch a video (about 15 minutes) to learn about the cave’s history and geology. It gets into the science of how caves

are formed and the extensive background of Crystal Cave. Then you begin your tour, which lasts about an hour. One of the most interesting features of Crystal Cave is the diversity of formations — including stalactites (which hang from the ceiling), stalagmites (which protrude up from the floor), and calcium and aragonite crystals.

Some of the most beautiful formations are made of “flowstone,” which occur when dripping water containing minerals runs down the walls or spreads out over rocks in a cave.

You’ll also see formations that resemble prairie dogs, a giant’s tooth and (like in Lost River Caverns) “cave bacon,” a formation that runs on a wall resembling a slab of bacon.

If you’re afraid of the dark, here’s a heads up: While the cave has modern lighting, the guide turns off the lights at one point deep in the cave. It’s as dark as it gets.

Other stuff to do: Kids would love to try the gem mining. How it works: You get a bag of special bag of dirt and, using a special water flow gate, you’ll be able to release water to wash the dirt away to reveal the gems or fossils you found (and get to keep). Crystal Cave also has a quirky gift shop filled with souvenirs. In the summer months you can buy ice cream and Pennsylvania Dutch treats at The Ice Cream Parlor and Crystal Cave Cafe, and also play some mini golf.

How much: $14.50; $10.50, children ages 4 to 11; free, children 3 and under.

Tips before you head out

What to wear: The temperature inside Lost River Caverns and Crystal Cave is a constant 52 degrees. Dress so you’ll be warm. It’s best to wear sturdy hiking shoes or sneakers because the cave floors can be wet.

Tight spaces: Crystal Cave is pretty open and really shouldn’t be an issue for anyone who’s claustrophobic. There are some rather small spaces at Lost River (nothing too bad really but worth mentioning if it’s a concern).

Lots to learn: If you have children in school, this is a great opportunity for them to learn about geology.

CAVE TERMS

Good terms to know before you head to the caves:

Stalagmite: A formation that rises from the floor of a limestone cave due to the dripping of mineralized solutions and the deposits of calcium carbonate

Stalactite: A formation that develops from the ceiling of a limestone cave

Column or pillar: When a stalagmite and stalactite grow together, meeting in the middle